India vice-captain Shubman Gill delivered a crucial knock in the first ODI against England, helping his team secure a four-wicket victory at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday. After the match, Gill shared insights into his batting approach, emphasizing his strategy of avoiding excessive movement on the back foot and playing quality cricketing shots.
His partnership with Shreyas Iyer played a key role in India’s successful chase, with Iyer’s attacking intent putting England under pressure. Gill acknowledged Iyer’s impact, noting that his aggressive play pushed the opposition onto the back foot and also made batting easier for him. He highlighted one of his favorite shots—a pull through midwicket while batting on 70—as a particularly satisfying moment in his innings. He also described the pitch as slightly double-paced, with spinners varying their speeds effectively. To counter the conditions, he focused on square-of-the-wicket shots rather than attempting straight drives.
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England, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, got off to a flying start with an explosive 75-run opening stand between Philip Salt (43 off 26 balls, five fours and three sixes) and Ben Duckett (32 off 29 balls, six fours). However, India fought back, reducing England to 111/4, with Joe Root (19) among the key wickets to fall. Skipper Jos Buttler (52 off 67 balls, four boundaries) and Jacob Bethell steadied the innings with a 59-run partnership before Buttler’s dismissal. Bethell reached his half-century, scoring 51 off 64 balls, with three fours and a six. A late cameo from Jofra Archer (21* off 18 balls, three fours and a six) pushed England’s total to 248 in 47.4 overs.
Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 3/26 in his spell, while debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/53. Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav contributed with a wicket each.
During India’s chase, Gill led the way with a composed 87 off 96 balls, striking 14 boundaries. He found strong support from Iyer, who smashed 59 off just 36 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Axar Patel also played a valuable knock, scoring 52 off 47 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Their combined efforts ensured India reached the target comfortably, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
For England, Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each.
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